Social Services Policy & Advocacy Supervisor

Louisville Metro Government; Kentucky; On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisville Metro Government seeks an Outreach Manager to design and coordinate advocacy and public policy initiatives addressing homelessness and social services. Lead a team, build community strategies, and represent the department to government bodies and local groups.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and four years of social work or public advocacy experience; experience with grants, stakeholder engagement, and program evaluation is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Science or related discipline.
• Four years of social work, social service, community service or public advocacy experience.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be substituted.

Responsibilities

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates staff; processes employee concerns and appraisals.
• Coordinates work schedules; monitors progress; provides guidance.
• Develops and analyzes legislative and public policy documents related to community issues.
• Plans, develops, organizes, implements and evaluates social service projects and programs.
• Represents the department to national, state, and local groups; communicates program details.
• Identifies resources such as grants and consultants to improve services.

Skills

Staff supervision

Policy advocacy

Public speaking

Community outreach

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Science or related discipline

Job description

Summary Objective

The purpose of this position is to design and conduct advocacy and public policy projects, programs and activities. Develop and coordinate community strategies relating to human service issues. This class works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Develops, analyzes and recommends legislative and public policy documents related to community issues.
• Plans, develops, organizes, implements and evaluates special projects, policies and procedures related to social service needs.
• Creates, designs and coordinates the production and distribution of issue specific curricula, promotional and informational materials and brochures, press releases, public relations activities, and public service announcements.
• Represents the department and the Mayor’s Office and prepares and presents programs to national, state, and local community groups, conferences, special events and organizations.
• Researches, identifies and procures resources such as grants, consultants, and technical assistance to improve the quality or extend the level of services in the community.
• Attends meetings with other departments, and government and community organizations to provide information, to publicize available services and to maintain positive public relations.
• Researches and collects information and prepares reports.
• Provides information and produces materials for use in training and education regarding projects, policies and programs.
• Manages and supports day-to-day activities of the outreach specialist team.
• Fosters a learning environment modeling client engagement, crisis response, appropriate service matching, etc.
• Staffs outreach team members to support clarity of roles, boundaries, ethical challenges, and potential conflicts of interest.
• Assists in planning, developing, and implementing policies, procedures, and programs.
• Provides technical assistance and instruction regarding operations, procedures, programs, and activities.
• Implements and performs quality assurance measures to ensure consistent quality service provision.
• Monitors job stress and supports self-care planning.
• Assesses gaps in services, and develops strategies, goals, objectives, programs, and services to meet the needs of the community.
• Solicits donations, grants, support and participation from businesses, neighborhood organizations, community agencies and groups to promote, develop and implement projects, events, and programs.
• Improves knowledge of evidence-based practices related to homelessness.
• Exhibits awareness of local statistics and demographics related to homelessness.
• Ensures team members use their data input resources and report on processes and outcome of day-to-day engagement.
• Develops relationships with local providers to continue and improve referral resources.
• Completes and submits mandatory reports and documentation in a timely manner.
• Builds and/or strengthens relationships within the community to be able to assist with identifying gaps and barriers.
• Speaks to/engages the public about the work of RCS, including government officials, the public, business owners, local media, and other stakeholders.
• Assists in budget preparation and monitors and controls expenditures.
• Performs related work as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Science or related discipline.
• Four (4) years of social work, social service, community service, public advocacy or resource development experience.

EQUIVALENCY

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be substituted.

OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Must provide one's own source of transportation.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT)

• Employees may be exposed to hazards while performing work in the community.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

Louisville Metro Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Louisville Metro Government to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Louisville Metro Government. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses. Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.